Heather Maehr
🏆 Squarespace Online Course Graduate 🏆- ilovecreatives Approved!
Heather Maehr
Visual Designer
Portland, OR
Website: heathermaehr.com
Instagram: @heathermaehr
linkedin
dribbble
pinterest
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I’m a Visual Designer (Graphic + Web + UX/UI and a sprinkle of print/packaging as well). ”
Recently, I've been focusing on digital design for skincare, fashion, wellness, and lifestyle brands.
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
I fell in love with design long before I went to school for it. I started paying attention to the things I surrounded myself with and how the design affected my emotions or compelled me to interact, purchase, etc. (or not to!)
After several years in a completely different career, I relocated from Salt Lake City to Seattle and enrolled in a Graphic Design program. Since graduating with a BA in Graphic Design, I’ve been steadily freelancing and learning, learning, learning. I now live in Portland, still learning, still freelancing. :)
Squarespace Online Course — Portfolio Work
FOR OTHER PEOPLE IN YOUR FIELD, WHAT DO THEY USUALLY LACK?
Curiosity, research, exploration.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
I'm working with a notable skincare brand on their new website, booking app, and various print assets following a thorough re-branding. I'm also working with a couple of agencies on an ongoing basis doing anything from UI/UX and Web design to packaging and social media.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
I prefer to work with clients that have an established brand and I pride myself in being able to quickly grasp an identity and adapt my design style accordingly. My work ranges aesthetically but it's usually rooted in simplicity. My best work typically includes plenty of white space, intriguing compositions, something unexpected, and just the right amount of flair.
Squarespace Online Course — Portfolio Work
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
Learn to code! I'm currently working my way through a SuperHi coding course and it's awesome. I just wish I could put my life on hold and focus on it full-time.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
I'm very introverted (INTJ represent) so while making connections is vital, it's not something that comes naturally.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
Onboarding clients, scheduling, the day-to-day business stuff.
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
Dear young adult self: Pursue whatever you want, just do it 100%! Also, be kind to yourself.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
I’m always looking to gain insight into people’s processes for both design and running their own business. A developer (who is also a designer) mentor would also be super helpful right now.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
I'm transitioning into doing more digital projects (web/ui/ux), however, I'm open to print and other design projects as well. I love brands that understand the importance of design and appreciate simplicity. I'm not too picky as long as you're a nice person!
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
I feel that trust and communication play a huge role in the success of a project. I look for clients that respect and trust my design judgments but also have a good understanding of their business and where they’d like it to go.
WHAT IS YOUR HOURLY RATE, RETAINER, OR SALARY RANGE?
In general, my hourly rate is $60 and my day rate is $400. Most web projects start at $1,500. Flat rates vary per project.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
Email me at heathermaehr@gmail.com or fill out a design inquiry.
Please include project details, deadlines, and assets to help us get off to a good start. Including your budget is also super helpful so that I can immediately determine what's possible and what's not within it.
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Go outside.
This member profile was originally published in July 2017, Updated January 2019.